City of East Orange Coach Bus & Van Transportation Services

The City of East Orange, New Jersey, is soliciting bids for Coach Bus & Van Transportation Services to support a variety of City-sponsored recreational and cultural events and activities. The comprehensive scope of work requires vendors to provide both vehicles and qualified operators for both local and out-of-state trips. Specific vehicle requirements include displaying currently validated DMV inspection stickers, being registered with the New Jersey Department of Transportation, and having operational two-way radios. For trips involving distant travel, buses must be equipped with lavatories, air conditioning, and working television/VCR/DVD players, capable of seating approximately up to 55 passengers, with provisions for physically challenged individuals as necessary. The successful contractor will be responsible for ensuring the general maintenance and sanitary condition of all vehicles. The contract term is for an initial period of one year, with the City retaining an option to renew for two additional one-year periods, subject to satisfactory performance and mutual agreement. Additional buses may be required upon advance notice, with separate pricing to be included in the bid response package if it differs from original quotes. Prospective contractors must meet stringent qualification requirements to be considered for this transportation services agreement. All vehicle operators (drivers) are mandated to possess a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL Class A & B; Class C is not acceptable), and submit current driver abstracts, physical, medical, and vision cards in accordance with N.J. Formal regulation 13:21-14.8 et seq. Bidders are also required to provide their ICC License number as part of their bid package. Extensive insurance coverage is obligatory, including proof of vehicle liability insurance as per N.J. State Insurance Laws and rules, specifically N.J.A.C. 8:25-8.3, workers' compensation insurance, and a commercial combined single limit policy of no less than $5,000,000. Additionally, minimum limits of $100,000 for Employer's Liability, $500,000 combined single limit for Commercial General Liability, and $500,000 combined single limit for Automobile Liability are specified. The City of East Orange must be named as an insured on the policies, which are subject to approval by the City’s Corporation Counsel. Sealed proposals, endorsed “Coach Bus & Van Transportation Service – City Sponsored Trips,” must be hand-delivered to the Council Chambers at 44 City Hall Plaza, East Orange, New Jersey. The official bid opening is scheduled for Wednesday, March 22, 2023, commencing at 11:00 A.M. and concluding at 11:30 A.M. Bid documents and specifications are available for a non-refundable fee of $25.00, payable in check or cash, from the Division of Procurement, Monday through Friday, 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Mandatory submission documents include a Bid Document Submission Checklist, Stockholder Disclosure Statement, Non-Collusion Affidavit, Affirmative Action Affidavit, Statement of Bidder's Qualifications, Business Registration Certificate, and a properly completed Bid Proposal Sheet. Challenges to specifications must be submitted in writing to the City no less than three business days prior to the bid opening. The primary contact for inquiries is Racquel C. Ferguson, QPA, Division of Procurement, who can be reached at (973) 266-5162.